Thursday, May 15, 2008

Deliciousness

Yesterday morning we got some good news about one of our projects at work and everyone sort of congregated in the hall, discussing it and being happy and awkwardly trying to avoid going back to their desks, and finally the head of our department asked what we should do to celebrate. Someone suggested lunch but there was a client coming in at noon so a few people wouldn't be able to make it, and somehow, I'm not sure how but very quickly, it was decided that we would go for margaritas in the afternoon. But not afternoon as in after work. No, we headed off for the nearest Mexican restaurant at three in the afternoon for the best work celebration ever.

Plus, we didn't have to pick up the tab, and so before we knew it we were ensconced at a long table with huge pitchers of margaritas and baskets of chips and guacamole and cheese quesadillas, and not only that but we were actually talking, and amazingly, the talk wasn't about work. After the obligatory happy toast, we all just started chatting about... normal stuff. Our table was outside on the sidewalk and the weather was warm and everyone was in a good mood and it was just really nice.

I hadn't planned on drinking anything because, you know, Weight Watchers and wasted calories and whatnot, and also I don't really like alcohol that much and I tend to take really big sips, so I am usually better off with water or Diet Coke. But I was sitting there and there were all these pitchers of margaritas and somehow I wound up with a really yummy-looking frozen strawberry swirl margarita in a frosty, salted mug in front of me, and you know what? I drank it. And then I drank another.

I was totally outpaced by my coworkers, one of whom was doing tequila shots two at a time, but for me that's a lot of alcohol, because I can't even remember the last time I had more than one drink. And I was totally feeling the effects. And it was GREAT. And also? While I was drinking the delicious strawberry-ness, I totally indulged in lots of chips and guacamole and even a cheese quesadilla, which, yeah, not so much part of the whole Weight Watchers plan either.

But seriously, it was so fun and happy that the three guys who were at the table near us, sharing their own pitcher of margaritas and giant plate of nachos, leaned over to us a couple of drinks in and were like, "Um, we just graduated college, which is why we're here drinking in the middle of the afternoon, and um, we can't help noticing that you guys have the greatest job ever, and um, can you tell us what company you work for, because we want to apply for jobs there?" Which everyone in their tipsy state thought was HILARIOUS and started asking what they studied and handing out business cards and whatnot, and how awesome would it be if one of those guys wound up working for us? Except that he would be terrifically disappointed to find out that we do not normally spend our afternoons drinking margaritas down the street from our office.

Afterward I went home, still in my buzzed state, and then Torsten and I ordered a pizza and I had three pieces. Or maybe four. Which is a sign that I should stay away from the alcohol not just because of all the empty calories? But also because apparently when I've been drinking I think it's AWESOME to stuff my face with whatever unhealthy stuff is nearest. Frozen margaritas + Weight Watchers = BAD IDEA, apparently.

But the miracle of all miracles? This morning when I woke up? I had actually lost half a pound.

Stories like this really highlight for me what utter BULLSHIT the whole "eat to live" thing is. There is so much more to food and drink than sustenance. Like CELEBRATION and COMMUNION WITH OTHERS and ENJOYING YOUR LIFE.

That sounds absolutely wonderful and I'm glad you and the rest of your co-workers enjoyed it. Sometime, in the name of a good time, it is okay to not worry about what's healthy or not, how many calories or points you are consuming (or not) and just have a good time. And good for you for doing it for yourself and losing a pound to boot!

Free margaritas are the best kind of margaritas! And don't beat yourself up too much about splurging. You have to allow yourself a little leeway now and then, particularly in the face of a fun impromptu social outing that someone else is paying for.

Also, I am convinced that pizza is some kind of secret miracle diet food. The day after I pigged out and had six slices of pizza I woke up two pounds lighter, too! This used to happen to me all the time after eating pizza. I'm pretty sure it's just a fluke (or, if it IS some sort of magic, it wouldn't work if I tried it every night), but it's fun to pretend anyway. :-)

Hey, you know what? You've gotta enjoy life and indulge every once in awhile. If you can't enjoy a margerita because of a diet--is the diet worth it? Let yourself LIVE! Congrats about the good job thing at work. That's always exciting. It sounds like you and all of your coworkers had a really well-deserved nice time.

YAY, margaritas! I love them! And nachos and guacamole and quesadillas, and damn I'm with those college guys, I want to work where you do. Also, I've found that food you consume while having a great time, NEVER causes weight gain. Laughter burns calories.

Yeah, alcohol is SUCH empty calories. Really not worth it... well except sometimes, special occasions. But I've even stopped drinking fruit drinks because they're not worth it (there's no fibre, even in the 100% pure stuff). People chugging beer? How! Then again I eat hamburgers like, every day. So I'm not one to talk about empty calories (but its BBQ season!) but at least hamburgers are TASTY! Alcohol is often not even tasty.

Sweet! It could be the new diet craze - margaritas and pizza! I wish it was Friday because that sounds about perfect for a Friday evening. Also, remember all those Fridays you get off? You really MUST have the best job ever!

no kidding- sign me up for a job like that! and seriously- it's not like you drink and eat poorly all the time. i dont think this one time should be of any worry. and well- you lost half a pound so see? good job! way to be OP!